Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti

Name: Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 biscottis
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking biscotti, especially when I can combine sweet chocolate with tart cranberries. This Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Not only do they make a delightful snack with my coffee, but they also have a satisfying crunch that keeps me reaching for more. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, I always enjoy making this treat for special occasions or just to indulge my sweet tooth during the week.

Created by

Noelle Chambers

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:04:14.010Z

When I first tried making biscotti, I was amazed by how straightforward the process was. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy cranberries gives this biscuit a unique flavor that’s hard to resist. The key is to bake them twice, which enhances their crunchiness while letting the chocolate melt into gooey perfection.

I remember gifting these to friends and family during the holidays, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The addition of espresso in the base really elevates the chocolate flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt before the second bake for an extra layer of flavor!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with tart cranberries
Crunchy texture that’s perfect for dipping in coffee
Easily customizable with nuts or spices

      

Expert Tips for Perfect Biscotti

To achieve the perfect biscotti texture, it is crucial not to overmix the dough after adding the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined; this ensures a tender, yet crunchy result. Overmixing can lead to tougher biscotti, which detracts from their delightful crunch. Additionally, beating the eggs until frothy introduces air into the dough, helping the biscotti rise slightly during the first bake.

When shaping the dough into a log, aim for an even thickness throughout. This ensures that the biscotti bake uniformly. A width of about 4 inches and a length of about 12 inches works well. If you find the dough too sticky to handle, lightly flour your hands or the work surface. A well-floured surface prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.

Ingredient Insights

The use of unsweetened cocoa powder is key to achieving the rich chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter biscotti, consider using sweetened cocoa powder, but reduce the sugar in the recipe accordingly. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add pockets of melty sweetness. Opt for high-quality chocolate for the best flavor; this can elevate the overall taste of your biscotti significantly.

Dried cranberries provide a pleasant tartness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate. If you're looking for alternatives, consider using dried cherries or apricots, which can add unique flavors to the biscotti. Just ensure that any substitute maintains a similar moisture content to prevent altering the texture of the dough.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the baking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract until frothy, then add them to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

Add Cranberries and Chocolate

Fold in the dried cranberries and chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.

Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a log about 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.

First Bake

Bake the log in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Slice and Second Bake

Using a serrated knife, slice the log into ½ inch thick pieces. Place the biscotti back on the baking sheet cut-side down and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Cool and Serve

Let the biscotti cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti!

Enjoy your homemade biscotti with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating orange zest or chopped almonds into the dough.

Storage and Freshness

To maintain the crunchiness of your Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For extended shelf life, biscotti can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to three months.

If you've baked a large batch, consider gifting some away! Biscotti make excellent gifts because they can be beautifully packaged and presented. Include a note on storage and serving suggestions, like pairing with coffee or tea, to enhance the gift experience.

Serving Suggestions

These chocolate cranberry biscotti are perfect for dipping, especially in a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The biscotti soften slightly when dipped, creating a delightful contrast with their crunchy exterior. For a fun twist, try serving them with flavored whipped cream or a side of fruit compote for added flavor, making them a delightful addition to any brunch table.

For special occasions, consider drizzling some melted white chocolate over cooled biscotti for an elegant touch. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a new flavor dimension that pairs well with the chocolate and cranberries. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I store biscotti? How long do they last?

Yes, biscotti can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?

Absolutely! You can replace cranberries with dried cherries or raisins if you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.

→ Can I freeze biscotti?

Yes, biscotti freeze well! Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.